A process for imaging a lithographic printing plate having a coating containing diazo resins. An ink jet printer is used to apply micro drops of a basic chemical solution that insolubilizes the affected areas of the coating to a developing solution. The latent image may be cured by heating the plate for a short period, and is then developed. The process works with conventional, commercially available lithographic plates and developers.
The invention relates to the development of lithographic printing plates and comprises the application of a thin film of developer solution to each plate in a controlled manner using a jetting printhead. Sensors and control means activate and deactivate the jetting printhead in response to the presence or absence of a plate. The developer is allowed to dwell on the plate as it is conveyed across a support structure for a sufficient time to allow for percolation into and/or dissolution of the soluble areas of the coating and is then washed off and sent to waste.
